Resolved – That Councillor S Niblock be appointed Chair for this meeting.

Members of the Sub-Committee are asked to declare any disclosable pecuniary and non pecuniary interests, in connection with any application on the agenda and state the nature of the interest.

Members of the Sub-Committee were asked to declare any disclosable pecuniary and non pecuniary interests in connection with any application on the agenda and state the nature of the interest.

Councillor T Norbury declared a non pecuniary interest by virtue of being acquainted with the applicant.

The Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment reported upon an application that had been received from Julie and Martin Evans for a Premises Licence in respect of Arrowe Stores, Fleetcroft Road, Woodchurch under the provisions of the Licensing Act 2003.

The hours requested were outlined within the report.

The applicant had submitted an operating schedule setting out how the business would be conducted/managed in accordance with the four licensing objectives.  A copy of the full application was available.  Members were advised that the proposals set out in the operating schedule may become conditions of the licence should the licence be granted.

Representations had been received from 57 local residents who requested that the application be refused.  The representations related to anti-social behaviour being caused by youths within the vicinity of the premises and concerns that this would increase if alcohol was available at these premises.  .

Representations had also been received from Upton Ward Councillor, Councillor Whittingham and from Margaret Greenwood MP.  The representations supported the concerns expressed by local residents.

A representation had been received from Merseyside Police who advised that the premises was located within an area that suffered from high levels of anti-social behaviour and considered the licensing objectives of crime and disorder and public nuisance would be undermined should the application be granted.

Six representations had been received from local residents who supported the application as they considered that the licensing objectives would not be undermined if the application was granted.

Copies of all representations were available.

The applicants attended the meeting together with Ms Sherratt, Licensing Matters and Ms Clover, Barrister for the applicant.

Ward Councillor Tony Smith, Geoff Lee and Samantha Cushion, Police Licensing and the Designated Police Officer for the area, Sharon Roderick were also in attendance.

The Licensing Manager confirmed that all documentation had been sent and received and that Councillor Smith was in attendance on authority from Councillor Whittingham.  A number of local residents attended the meeting but had indicated they were content for Councillor Smith to speak on their behalf.

Ms Clover outlined the background to the application.  She informed Members that the applicants were deeply rooted within the community and had bought the premises in 2001.  Members were advised that the applicants had resurrected the Post Office, had a good track record and provided useful services to the community.  Ms Clover informed Members how measures would be put in place to ensure that the licensing objectives would be promoted and that the alcohol would not be sold in such a way that it would be detrimental to the community.  Members heard that the premises would implement a Challenge 25 Policy to prevent the sale of alcohol to persons under the age of 18 and that comprehensive training and guidance would be provided to staff working at the premises in respect of the responsible sale of alcohol.  Ms Clover believed that there must be an existing failure if youths were already obtaining alcohol in the area and the premises  ...  view the full minutes text for item 26.